Eala stuns Swiatek to end Wimbledon title defense

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines stunned reigning champion Iga Swiatek, ending the Polish star's Wimbledon title defense in the third round with a commanding 7-6 (11/9), 6-2 victory on Centre Court. The 84-minute match saw Eala, who had previously made history by becoming the first Filipino to reach the third round of a Grand Slam in the Open era, advance to the last 16.

"It's difficult to describe. I'm in the second week of a Slam and it's incredible for me," AFP quoted Eala as saying. The 21-year-old Eala, seeded 29th, showed no intimidation facing the six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek, achieving her second win in three encounters against the world No. 3.

“

It's difficult to describe. I'm in the second week of a Slam and it's incredible for me.

"I'm really emotional and maybe for someone like Iga who has won so many Slams, or someone like Serena or Venus (Williams), this achievement might seem small," Eala added. "But for someone who grew up in the Philippines... I trained with my mother and my grandfather every day after school with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks... so for her this is everything."

Swiatek, 25, struggled with 44 unforced errors and failed to convert two set points in the first-set tie-break. Eala seized control in the second set, racing to a 4-0 lead. Despite Swiatek's fight to break back, Eala secured the biggest victory of her career, falling to the turf in tears of joy after clinching match point with a forehand winner.

“

I'm really emotional and maybe for someone like Iga who has won so many Slams, or someone like Serena or Venus (Williams), this achievement might seem small. But for someone who grew up in the Philippines... I trained with my mother and my grandfather every day after school with ruffled socks and chubby cheeks... so for her this is everything.